Camper submitted image from Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower - 2

Camping

Camper submitted image from Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower - 3

Roads

Camper submitted image from Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower - 4

Signs & Maps

Camper submitted image from Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower - 5

Nature

Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower

8 Reviews

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower, near Seneca Rocks, West Virginia, is a prime spot for those who crave stunning views and a bit of solitude. This campground offers a rustic experience with spacious sites tucked away in the pines, perfect for a peaceful getaway.

Visitors rave about the breathtaking 360-degree views from the observation tower, especially on clear days. As one camper noted, “Watching storm clouds roll in and envelop the Knob offers a wonderful experience.” The area is also great for stargazing, thanks to minimal light pollution, making it a favorite for night owls.

Amenities include drinking water and clean vault toilets, but keep in mind there are no electric hookups or showers. Campers appreciate the well-maintained grounds and the opportunity to enjoy campfires, though it’s wise to be cautious of the winds at this elevation. One reviewer mentioned, “It gets darker than dark and the stars go on forever,” highlighting the campground's natural beauty.

For those looking to explore, the nearby Spruce Knob Lake offers fishing and boating opportunities, while the surrounding trails provide excellent hiking options. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Spruce Knob is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to reconnect with nature.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower is located in West Virginia

Directions

From the north: Take Whitmer Road (CO-29) south from US-33 (one mile west of Harman) to Whitmer for 8.3 miles. From Whitmer continue south on Whitmer Road for 10.3 miles and turn left on Forest Road 1 for 2.5 miles to the campground and lake. From the south: Turn left onto Forest Road 112 for approximately 11 miles to the lake. From the east: Take Briery Gap Road (CO-33/4 at Gateway General Store) 2 miles south of Riverton off US-33 for 2.5 miles to Forest Road 112 and follow the signs to Spruce Knob. Click here for map.

Coordinates

38.70716729 N
79.58935527 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by T-Mobile Satellite

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Presented by

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Revelle’s River Resort

1 hr 7 min away

Little River Dispersed Campsites

1 hr 21 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

1 hr 46 min from Harrisonburg
2 hrs 19 min from Morgantown
2 hrs 36 min from Charlottesville

Connectivity

Presented by T-Mobile Satellite

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented by

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Craig B.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 23, 2021

Highest high

Beautiful spot to really get to see what you can't see down low, if you visit in the fall bring long sleeves because it is windy and quite a few degrees cooler then down below.

Month of VisitSeptember

(6) View All

Bryan G.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 8, 2021

Great Campground!

I went on my first solo camping trip to Spruce Knob and had a wonderfully relaxing time. The camp sites were spacious enough and spread out well so I still had a certain level of privacy. Spruce Knob Lake was a great spot for Milky Way star gazing. On my way in, the road was a bit rough and smacked my exhaust loose, but the site manager was super friendly and had just what I needed to fix my car. He refused to take any money for it, either. I can't waitto go back!

SiteSpruce Knob Lake Campgrounds

Month of VisitAugust

Dave V.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 31, 2019

Peak Bagging Coolness!

Spruce Knob is West Virginia's highest peak and on a clear day offers breathtaking 360 degree views from the Observation Tower. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=7053

Because of the thick conifer growth, long mountain views don't occur till nearly to the top and that only along the western roadway...but once you climb the observation tower...(as mentioned, on a clear day) you are rewarded with wonderful views of WV and VA mountains. Watching storm clouds or simple clouds roll in and envelope the Knob offers a wonderful experience.

I've taken the opportunity to camp on Spruce Knob on several occasions, once to the NE of the parking lot just into the pines, once a couple hundred yards down the Seneca Backcountry trail to the right and once directly south of the Tower in the pines. Each offered a differ experience. There is no cost, which is a huge plus!

In the pines, just below the summit, it is eerily quiet and muffled. I've never seen another camper when I've stayed, so the solitude is glorious.

If you want shelter and a picnic table for cooking/eating...they are available, but only along the parking lot. Pit latrines are nearly on the summit in the parking lot near the trailhead for the Observation Tower. So practice leave no trace when camping and hiking!! No water, so bring enough with you. There are waste receptacles but be wise and take trash with you.

There are two levels to the concrete Observation Tower...and best views are from the upper level. I've often though about cowboy camping on the second level after the last sightseer has left for the night, but haven't seen, heard or read if its forbidden or permitted...so I haven't...yet.

Obviously, on a clear night, star gazing is incredible as there no ambient light. It is much cooler at this elevation, even in the summer...and the winds on the summit cut through like a knife.

Note: utilize good camping practices and set camp on a previous location where there is an established fire ring. Again, use caution with campfires because of the wind.

If you desire a more established campground, Spruce Knob Lake Campground is not too far away...down the mountain.

Spruce Knob summit camping is a family highlight!

Month of VisitAugust

(23) View All

Gene S.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2019

Breathtaking and Beautiful

Beautiful primative camping,very clean toilets

SiteSpruce knob campground

(4) View All

Berg W.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 10, 2019

Backcountry camping in Spruce Knob - Seneca Rock National Rec Area

Awesome views from mountain meadows of the Spruce Knob - Seneca Rock National Recreation Area. Trails at this time of the year are in need of repair (downed trees, missing trail markers) and full of mud, rocks, and roots on sharp/steep descents without switchbacks. Map programs such as AllTrails not accurate at all for the actual trail distances. However, the camping down at the creek was spectacular with plenty of trees to hammock hang from, abundant water, and breathtaking waterfalls. If you plan on starting at the summit of Spruce Knob, make sure your legs are ready for a good burn and your toes are ready to be jammed in the front of your shoes for 9 miles. There is also the wreckage of a small plane crash along the trail, which is very sobering and solemn.

SiteAlong Seneca Creek

Month of VisitApril

Hannah V.

Ranger

Reviewed Nov. 1, 2018

Perfect in All Seasons

Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia and offers great views. You can drive all the way up to the summit and hike around the small loop trail that leads to the observation tower and then to a small wooden look-out on the far side of the loop. The trail is only a ½ mile and well worth the drive. There is a picnic shelter that has picnic tables, no running water, but there is a pit toilet.

We camped off the Huckleberry Trail, which has lots of camping spots off the trail. The forest is silent and beautiful, looks like it belongs out west in the PNW. The moss-covered ground and rocks make it the perfect oasis for a weekend trip. You can even backpack the trail as it leads down the mountain. This is a must see any time of the year!

(13) View All

Ricki F.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 19, 2018

Rustic and beautiful

This is getting back to nature! I love it here! Campsites are rustic and not on top of each other. It gets darker than dark and the stars go on forever....

Month of VisitJune

Gretchen H.

Scout

Reviewed May. 30, 2018

Peaceful, secluded and rustic

Quiet, secluded. Campground has drinking water and accessible vault toilets (spotless). No electric hook-ups. Sites are clean. Grounds are well-maintained.

Campground is less than 1 mile from Spruce Knob Lake. Lake has boat ramp for small boats and kayaks and a pier for fishing.

Several mile drive to highest point and observation deck - part paved, mostly gravel road. Beautiful trails surrounding that area.

2 access roads to Spruce Knob. Road from Rt. 33 near Harman will be gravel and windy after the first few miles. The other (better) choice is from Rt.33/28 between Seneca Rocks and Circleville. This road to Spruce Knob is paced -although steep and windy.

SiteSite 26

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Spruce Knob Lake Campground located and how do I get there?

Spruce Knob Lake Campground is located near the highest point in West Virginia, in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. The road to the campground can be challenging with rough patches in some sections, so drive carefully, especially in smaller vehicles. The campground is situated less than a mile from Spruce Knob Lake, making it convenient for water activities. When navigating to the area, be aware that some mapping programs may have inaccuracies for trails in the region, so it's advisable to get directions from the official Forest Service website or visitor center before your trip.

What amenities and facilities are available at Spruce Knob Lake Campground?

Spruce Knob Lake Campground offers rustic, primitive camping with clean, well-maintained facilities. The campground provides drinking water and spotless accessible vault toilets. There are no electric hookups, keeping with the natural experience. Campsites are spacious, clean, and thoughtfully arranged to offer privacy from neighboring sites. The grounds are well-maintained throughout the camping season. For recreation, the campground is conveniently located less than a mile from Spruce Knob Lake, which features a boat ramp suitable for small boats and kayaks, plus a fishing pier.

What does the Spruce Knob Lake Campground map show?

The Spruce Knob Lake Campground map displays the layout of the rustic campground with its well-spaced campsites, providing a good sense of the privacy between sites. It shows the location of the vault toilets and water sources throughout the grounds. The map also indicates the proximity to Spruce Knob Lake (less than a mile away) with its boat ramp, fishing pier, and water access points. While specific trail connections may be marked, visitors should note that some trail markers in the area may need maintenance depending on the season.

What activities can you do near Spruce Knob Observation Tower?

At Spruce Knob Observation Tower, you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views from West Virginia's highest peak. A half-mile loop trail circles the summit area, connecting the observation tower with a wooden lookout that offers alternative viewing angles. Hiking enthusiasts will find numerous trails through mountain meadows and conifer forests, though trail conditions vary seasonally with potential for mud, rocks, and steep sections. Stargazing is exceptional here, particularly at nearby Spruce Knob Lake where the Milky Way is clearly visible on clear nights. Photography opportunities abound, especially for landscape and night sky enthusiasts. Pack layers as the summit is typically windy and several degrees cooler than lower elevations.

Keep Exploring

View Photos

Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower

Description

Location

Directions

Coordinates

Connectivity

The Dyrt Alerts

Detours Nearby

Drive Time

Connectivity

Access

Site Types

Features

For Campers

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Reviews

4.5

Highest high

Great Campground!

Peak Bagging Coolness!

Breathtaking and Beautiful

Backcountry camping in Spruce Knob - Seneca Rock National Rec Area

Perfect in All Seasons

Rustic and beautiful

Peaceful, secluded and rustic

Where is Spruce Knob Lake Campground located and how do I get there?

What amenities and facilities are available at Spruce Knob Lake Campground?

What does the Spruce Knob Lake Campground map show?

What activities can you do near Spruce Knob Observation Tower?